New 90 Litre Tank For Platy And Her Fry

[Em29]

Hello - I have had a fluval Edge for the last 2 years with 4 platy - two males and two females. They started breeding sometime ago and I have since set up a 15 litre isolation tank and the fry have flourished. I have rehomed the adult male platy in desperation to avoid overcrowding my Fluval edge but like the fry so much I have treated myself to a 90litre tank that is now cycling.

So - I would like to put in my two adult female platy and the fry (quite heavily planted so hope they are good at hiding). I am then unsure what else to introduce?
Are corydoras hardy?
I love Plecs and guppies but am so so so nervous - I do not want them to die!!!

 

[KittyKat]

I have had a fluval Edge for the last 2 years with 4 platy - two males and two females. They started breeding sometime ago and I have since set up a 15 litre isolation tank and the fry have flourished. I have rehomed the adult male platy in desperation to avoid overcrowding my Fluval edge but like the fry so much I have treated myself to a 90litre tank that is now cycling.

So - I would like to put in my two adult female platy and the fry (quite heavily planted so hope they are good at hiding). I am then unsure what else to introduce?

What are the tank dimensions (length, hight, depth)? What are the water type parameters in your existing tank? These are pH, KH and GH. If you do not know the latter two for the existing tank and cannot get them measured, then look up the tap water hardness on the report that you can get from your water company.

If you are keeping the Edge, please chose smaller fish still for it because they do not need the space as much as larger fish like platys do.

Are corydoras hardy?

Yes and no, depending on the species, but this isn't really something that you should be asking quite like that because you should make sure that your set-up is right for the fish that you want to keep instead of just getting those that will survive. Point to consider here is that Corys are soft water fish, while livebearers are hard water fish.

I love Plecs and guppies but am so so so nervous - I do not want them to die!!!

Assuming your water is slightly on the hard side, plecos would work, but given that the average 90 litre tank is around 3*1*1 ft in size, I recommend that you stick to the smallest species only, such as Parotocinclus jumbo, as you could keep a small group of these, which is also nicer for the fish. Guppies are a bit harder, just try to get them from a reputable breeder who makes sure to outcross their lines regularly, or at least from a hobbyist. Shop bought guppies are often very inbred

 

[Em29]

Thanks again KittyKat - I have got a water testing kit - will do another test tomorrow and record readings. I am not keeping the fluval edge at all - too small. Don't worry - I will be researching a lot before I purchase any more fish. I am primarily interested in getting the platy fry settled and growing nicely before anyone else will join them. I only ask about the hardyness of the fish because I really do not want to lose any once in the tank - I really like them and hate to see anything happen to them. Also, as I am not an experienced fish keeper I feel hardier fish are surely a better option than some that are particularly delicate.
The tank Is Fluval Romana 90.

Thanks again for taking the time to advise me - much appreciated

 

[KittyKat]

I might be interested in your Edge, in that case, can you let me know how much it will be when it's ready for sale?

Did you mean the Fluval Roma? The 60*35 cm bottom area means that in terms of biggest fish it will take about the same as a 60*30 cm 60 litre tank, but the extra 30 litres are good for water parameter stability, which is what you want as a beginner. You should look at this list that I have come up with: http/natureaquarium.co.uk/?page_id=278

Sure hardy fish are a good option over picky ones, but they should still be ones that fit into your setup best, because a hardy fish that does not fit will not be hardy for you.

 

[Em29]

Thanks KittyKat - what you are saying makes sense. Yes that is the tank. If I decide to sell it I will message you first. Trouble is I expect that the postage would be a bit hefty - I am in Cambridgeshire.
Just going to take a look at the link, thanks

 

[KittyKat]

If I decide to sell it I will message you first. Trouble is I expect that the postage would be a bit hefty - I am in Cambridgeshire.

I occasionally pass through Cambridgeshire on my way to Oxford, so collection is possible, otherwise there are some couriers which are relatively cheap!